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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Joining Methods For Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites In Structural Applications, Andrew Moran May 2022

Joining Methods For Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites In Structural Applications, Andrew Moran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites have been proposed as an alternative to metals in structural applications. CFRTP composites can be used to create structures that are lighter weight, have better resistance to environmental factors, and have the potential to be recycled. However, one of the main challenges to CFRTP composites is connections between structural members. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the feasibility of joining CFRTP composites to both similar and dissimilar materials through literature review, coupon testing, design of a structural joint, and a small scale laboratory prototype of the joint. To achieve this goal the …


Towards A Cost-Effective Biorefinery : Production Of Activated Carbons From Residual Biomass For Energy Storage Devices., Zachary Dean Herde Apr 2017

Towards A Cost-Effective Biorefinery : Production Of Activated Carbons From Residual Biomass For Energy Storage Devices., Zachary Dean Herde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomass processing for industrial products and biofuels has gained an increasing presence as society looks to using sustainable resources for manufacturing and renewable fuels for energy. However, these sustainably produced materials and products cannot gain a competitive edge because of the manufacturing expenses that are a result of high process temperatures and pressures. In order to lower these costs, theoretical modeling has described a value-added co-product strategy as one of the best ways to combat high bioprocessing prices. Biomass has been shown to make effective carbons for energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries. These carbons, with the right …


The Effects Of Carbon Fiber Misalignment On Composite Material Strength, Luke Stangler Jan 2016

The Effects Of Carbon Fiber Misalignment On Composite Material Strength, Luke Stangler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is an effective way for determining material properties. More specifically, ultrasonic waves along with visual measurements from a microscope can be used to systematically determine the elastic modulus of single ply composites that are subject to an altered manufacturing process. In this approach, the magnitude of specific ultrasonic wave velocities is applied through Chirstoffel's equations to determine the necessary five elastic constants that describe the elastic modulus of transversely isotropic composites. On the other hand, fiber misalignment measurements are taken through via digital microscopy to satisfy a statistical approach for the determination of the same elastic modulus. …


Influence Of Capillary Heterogeneity On Leakage Of Co2 From A Borehole, Frank Roecker Jan 2012

Influence Of Capillary Heterogeneity On Leakage Of Co2 From A Borehole, Frank Roecker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We used a modified invasion percolation (MIP) model to examine the effect of capillary heterogeneity, buoyancy forces, and viscous forces on the surface area and saturation of a CO2 plume leaking into a shallow aquifer. The purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of how CO 2 migrates from a borehole, which is essential in implementing effective simulation and monitoring regimes to accurately detect CO2 leakage from sequestration sites. The MIP model approach will simulate invasion of a light non-wetting fluid (e.g., CO2) into a medium initially saturated with a dense wetting fluid (water). The style of …


Investigation Of Reactively Sputtered Boron Carbon Nitride Thin Films, Vinit O. Todi Jan 2011

Investigation Of Reactively Sputtered Boron Carbon Nitride Thin Films, Vinit O. Todi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research efforts have been focused in the development of hard and wear resistant coatings over the last few decades. These protective coatings find applications in the industry such as cutting tools, automobile and machine part etc. Various ceramic thin films like TiN, TiAlN, TiC, SiC and diamond-like carbon (DLC) are examples of the films used in above applications. However, increasing technological and industrial demands request thin films with more complicated and advanced properties. For this purpose, B-C-N ternary system which is based on carbon, boron and nitrogen which exhibit exceptional properties and attract much attention from mechanical, optical and electronic …


Mechanical Properties Of Carbon Nanotube/Metal Composites, Ying Sun Jan 2010

Mechanical Properties Of Carbon Nanotube/Metal Composites, Ying Sun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have captured a great deal of attention worldwide since their discovery in 1991. CNTs are considered to be the stiffest and strongest material due to their perfect atomic arrangement and intrinsic strong in-plane sp 2—sp 2 covalent bonds between carbon atoms. In addition to mechanical properties, CNTs have also shown exceptional chemical, electrical and thermal properties. All these aspects make CNTs promising candidates in the development of novel multi-functional nanocomposites. Utilizing CNTs as fillers to develop advanced nanocomposites still remains a challenge, due to the lack of fundamental understanding of both material processing at the nanometer scale …


Feasibility Study Of Lightweight High-Strength Hollow Core Balsa-Frp Composite Beams Under Flexure, Kevin O'Neill Jan 2010

Feasibility Study Of Lightweight High-Strength Hollow Core Balsa-Frp Composite Beams Under Flexure, Kevin O'Neill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The United States of America's Military, more specifically the Army, has since the late 1990's had a vested interest in the development of super-lightweight, portable, short-span composite bridge and decking components to replace aging heavy metal-alloy machine driven modular systems. The following study looks at the feasibility of using balsa wood as the structural core material in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapped hollow-core composites in short-span bridge applications. The balsa provides shear resistance and the FRP the flexural resistance, resulting in extremely high strength-to-weight and strength-to-depth ratios. Several scaled short span specimens were constructed and tested using a variety of …


Prevention Of Environmentally Induced Degradation In Carbon/Epoxy Composite Material Via Implementation Of A Polymer Based Coati, Bradford Tipton Jan 2008

Prevention Of Environmentally Induced Degradation In Carbon/Epoxy Composite Material Via Implementation Of A Polymer Based Coati, Bradford Tipton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the use of fiber reinforced plastics increases in such industries as aerospace, wind energy, and sporting goods, factors effecting long-term durability, such as environmental exposure, are of increasing interest. The primary objectives of this study were to examine the effects of extensive environmental exposure (specifically UV radiation and moisture) on carbon/epoxy composite laminate structures and to determine the relative effectiveness of polymer-based coatings at mitigating degradation incurred due to such exposure. Carbon/epoxy composite specimens, both coated and uncoated, were subjected to accelerated weathering in which prolonged outdoor exposure was simulated by controlling the radiation wavelength (in the UV region), …